gifthub excepted) posted beneath

Gift Hub Gift Hub Blogging Philanthropy About Giving Blogs Charity Governance Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy Friends of the Commons PlaNetwork Journal Vermont Nonprofit CommunIT Philanthropy, Weblogs, and Democracy Wired Community Advance Sustainability Julie Evans Ted Ernst Indigo VT Non-Profit Community Lisa Tracy Lucy Berholz Lenore Ealey Chris Corrigan Info-Commons Philip Cubeta The Happy Tutor Mad Monk ACTA The Giving Blog Social Jedi Supporting Advancement The Philanthropic Enterprise Gang Blog Phil Anthropoid Wealth Bondage: Philanthropy Archives Philanthropy Beat Council on Foundations Emerging Issues: Philanthropy Jane King Foster Freiss Resources Acumen Fund Advance Sustainability American Institute of Philanthropy - Charity Watchdog Helping Donors Make Informed Giving Decisions Association of Small Foundations Blog of Social Wave Communities Project Blueprint Research and Design for Philanthropy: What's New Capital Missions Company -- Networking Socially Responsible Investors Catalogue For Philanthropy Center on Wealth and Philanthropy - Boston College Charity Governance Civic Reflection CivicSpace Labs Collect money for group purchasing, fundraising. — Fundable Community Development Venture Capital Association Community-Wealth.org: Wealth-Building Strategies for America's Communities Conceptual Guerilla's Strategy and Tactics Democracy in Action - Software tools for organizers Dialogues on Civic Philanthropy: Perfecting Our Grants Disinfopedia Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy Evolve Foundation FASTEN - Faith and Service Technical Education Network Fetzer Institute Fourth Sector Network Friends of the Commons GivingGlobal Global Giving GovBenefits GreenMoney Journal Groundspring.org Home - GlobalGiving Hudson Institute Idealist.org Independent Media Center Miles V Smith Philanthropic Advising MobileActive | Cell Phones for Civic Engagement Movement Strategy Movement Strategy Center National Center for Family Philanthropy Net Impact Ocean Foundation PACE - PHILANTHROPY FOR ACTIVE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Participatory Culture Foundation Partnerships Online PlaNetwork Journal Rockwood Leadership Program Social Edge Stanford Social Innovation Review The Future Of Philanthropy The Interra Project The small Change News Network Tides Underdog Ventures Wired Community WorldChanging: Another World Is Here Worth Living civiblog.org - global community The World We Want Community-Wealth.Com Who owns a community's or a nation's wealth? How can the benefits of an ownership society be spread around for the greater good? Community-Wealth provides the web’s most comprehensive and up-to-date information resource on state-of-the-art strategies for democratic, community-based economic development. Community Development Corporations, Community Development Financial Institutions, Employee Stock Option Plans, Community Land Trusts, Co-Ops, Social Enterprise, and Program Related Investments are among the topic areas. A great resource for those, across the political spectrum, who are interested in using market models for producing sustainable and positive social results. September 12, 2005 in Resources | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Foundations and Government: Who is Responsible for Social Progrms? Philanthropoid , " Is it the proper role of foundations to plug the gaps created by retreating public funds?" Assume they do fill the gaps in the safety net, what programs must then be defunded by the tapped out foundations? Advocacy for social change? You can hear Bill Schambra chortling. Let the bleeding hearts fund the losers, while the wealthy bear it away. Continue reading "Foundations and Government: Who is Responsible for Social Progrms?" » September 09, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Mennonite Disaster Service A knowledgeable friend suggests Mennonite Disaster Service as a credible provider of relief to the very poor in disater areas. September 01, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (1) Writerly Do you find yourself collaborating on documents long distance? Grassroots organizations might find this online document collaboration tool worth a look. September 01, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? A reader writes, I was curious if you have come across any websites that facilitate collaboration for disaster recoveries. For example, are there places that allow local recovery efforts to post their needs (ie: lights, cranes, machinery, tools) that corporations could respond to. The idea is similar to donorschoose.org but is focused more focused on needs that only businesses could meet. Have you come across anything like this in your work? Does any reader have a site that would provide such collaboration between those in need and those providing disaster relief? August 30, 2005 in Resources | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) Blogger Conference Call on Estate Tax From OMB Watch What: Blogger Conference Call on Estate Tax When: Wednesday, August 31, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm EST Where: By Phone (Dial-in at 1.800.820.4690; passcode: 2022348494) - RSVP to blewis@ombwatch.org August 30, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Informed Giving Great post by Phil Anthropoid on the great wealth transfer boom and how philanthropy might capture a larger piece. How might advisors, donors, and nonprofits collaborate more effectively to that end? My sense, having worked towards it with some wonderful people, including Phil Anthropoid himself, The Philanthropic Initiative , Lenore Ealy , and Tracy Gary , is that we, collectively as a a nation, have many "stereotypes" and old habits to break if we are to meet as allies and fellow citizens to advance philanthropy and our communities. Values-based planning is a step in the right direction, though values are what cultural wars are made of. Raising awareness, as through Leave a Legacy via National Committee on Planned Giving is a piece. Encouraging all people to have a will is a piece. But perhaps the most important is to find the poetry, the pathos, the energy and the vision - what Tracy Gary calls the "inspiration" - that can lift the process of planning beyond the financial to the ethical, aesthetic, civic and spiritual. People are hungry for a life of more than production and consumption. The market feeds us but not our hungry hearts. So many of us feel that, rich or poor, liberally educated, or fundamentalist. It does not matter. We all raise families, live in communities, and hunger for a life and legacy that speaks well of us, invigorates our children, and leaves or passes on what we most love. Beyond the money is huge well spring of volunteer effort and pent up desire to find a means of engaging our world's many challenges. Maybe as we reach out to one another in the blogosphere, and in the real world settings, we can create that hub or web of relationships that enable each of us to give of her or his best. Philanthropoid - thank you for bringing the subject into focus. August 30, 2005 in Advisor's Role | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Philanthropy Blogs Noted at Council on Foundations Natalie Ambrose at Emerging Issues in Philanthropy has just posted a great overview of philanthropy blogs. She has "outed" me as the author of Philanthropoid's blog . Actually, it is an honor I don't deserve. The real Philanthropoid is far better informed than I about giving, and a far better writer. Great to see Council on Foundations , through Emerging Issues, is now following the giving blogs. I am somewhat surprised that Wealth Bondage made the list, but I suppose Dumpster Dwellers can talk among themselves about Philanthropy if they wish. It is a free country. And after all, Candidia's Rooster Foundation, Crowing in the New American Dawn, is a respected member of COF as is Tigg Montague , Senior Wealth Bondage Fellow, representing the Heritage of Wealth Bondage Foundation, a Think Tank devoted to Excellence and Human Flourishing among the Natural Aristocracy. August 27, 2005 in Philanthropy Folks | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (2) Blogging Philanthropy - Why the Masquerade? A year ago I was interviewed by The Chronicle of Philanthropy on the theme of "where are all the philanthropy blogs?" Today the scene is far more interesting, as evidenced by the growing list of giving blogs listed on our left hand side bar. Now, here is a good question for future articles: "Why are so many of the most outspoken and interesting philanthropy blogs (gifthub excepted) posted beneath a mask? Iconoclasm and philanthropy, or even humor and philanthropy, seem not to go together very well. There is something about big money that brings out the Golden Calf worshipper even in Moses. I mean what is one Commandment more or less? Everything is negotiable. What blogs provide is a back channel in which the pomposity and hypocrisy, so much of the hackery and flakery, of so much philanthropy talk can be exposed, satirized, and sent up. Solemn or ingratiating is not the right tone for discussing the role of money, whether in business, government or philanthropy, in setting our country's course . Money is smart and has learned in our time how to filter its agenda through strategic giving for hopelessly partisan ends . Who will discuss or expose this, except an insider under an alias ? Far easier to put ideologues in charge of philanthropic associations, treat them with the respect due their high office, and carry on as usual - as a Fool among Knaves. Rageboy , one the first bloggers and still one of the most vehement used to talk about "ripping the fucking lid off" corporate discourse, which talks to us, not with us, as if we were dunces who admired their flakery and hype. Maybe the time has come to rip the lid off strategic philanthropy ? If so, probably best to do it under an assumed name - since giving is an unforgiving field, and what goes around comes around. Omerta! my friends. We are all one big Family. Thinking of Publius and the masked pamphleteers among our Founding Fathers, what begins with carnival, ends with revolution and democracy. After awhile the mask slips and we appear in the public square, not as consumers or servants of wealth and power, but as citizens speaking freely in our own new found voices. Blogging will revolutionize philanthropy in that way, by restoring its accountability to ordinary citizens - the public in public good. The public philanthropy serves. August 27, 2005 in Philanthropy Folks | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (2) Ads and Acknowledgements I have added ads to see how they work. The revenue will offset the cost of the site. Any net revenue will go to charity. I have also acknowledged my debt to Candidia Cruikshanks and the good people at Wealth Bondage for their tireless efforts on behalf of a better world according to money. Links to the most recent 10 posts are now displayed on the right hand sidebar. My hope is to improve communication between those in Wealth Bondage and the world of philanthropy. We have The Bradley Center for Philanthropy and Civic Renewal at Hudson leading the way for humankind. And we have the Philanthropy Round Table facilitating giving within the enlightened worldview of wealthy business people. But, in my estimation, the best role model for Stragegic Philanthropy on behalf of the interests of wealthy people (and therefore the world at large) remains Candidia Cruikshanks. Her social venture, Wealth Bondage, is both self sustaining and self serving in a major way. I may be biased, though, since Candidia sometimes throws me a bone from her table. So, when Candidia asked for a little recognition on Gifthub, I was happy to sit up and beg, rollover, fetch, and lick her boots. You would do the same in my position. Who are we kidding. Giving is all about getting ahead. It is what makes the world go round. August 20, 2005 in Geeting ahead in giving | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (1) Allianz Study of "Legacies" Fascinating fact sheets on what the Boomers mean by "legacy," via the Council on Foundations Blog . August 19, 2005 in Values and Planning | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Phil Anthropoid on "Pewgate" Philanthropoid patiently dissects Bill Schambra's ebullient polemic against Pew for its work on campaign finance reform. At issue is Wealth Bondage , whether the rich can purchase democracy, and whether their hired hands in the Think Tanks will be able to intimidate those funders like Pew who stand up for ordinary voters. Schambra himself is all in favor of grassroots giving , as long as the poor give to each other, and the tax cuts keep on coming for the rich so they have the extra cash to buy the next election. so they can get the next tax break, to buy the next election with propaganda made to order by hired hacks. The culture wars are now being fought on the ground of philanthropy . The right sure does stay on message . Who put the hit out on Pew? And what does it pay ? Bradley Foundation's name sure keeps popping up . And why not? Shouldn't both sides be able to fund their views, and encourage their allies and proxies? Throwing money around to influence politics is free speech after all. And on that basis, the rich, not just Pew and Bradley Foundations, are certainly being heard. I hope through blogs those like Phil Anthropoid who think without being paid to follow a party line will finally be heard. We need real free speech, not just the boughten, think tank, kind. Continue reading "Phil Anthropoid on "Pewgate"" » August 17, 2005 in Philanthropy Folks | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Phil Anthropoid Excellent news for all who are interested in philanthropy. We now have a knowlegeable, witty, and good humored insider who is putting his thoughts on line. Mr. Phil Anthropoid is one I will be reading carefully to see just how much he is willing to share. He is the first philanthropy blogger, other than the scurrilous crew at W*eatlh B*ondage who is willing to take an irreverent but kindly poke that the dignified world of upscale giving. Two places you don't laugh: During religious observances and in conversation about philanthropy. Money, or the chance of extracting some from the wealthy, makes us all as pious as heirs around a deathbed. Mr. Anthropoid has a jaunty way about him that spells trouble for the established decorum. August 10, 2005 in Philanthropy Folks | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) Philanthropic Enterprise Blog Congrats to Lenore Ealy on her new Philanthropic Enterprise Gang Blog . She shows great courage taking on the Happy Tutor in one of her initial posts . As a mild mannered honest broker, I can see merit on both sides, and will move out of the way as quickly as possible. This is not your Dick Minim style philanthropic conversation any more. It is all about wealth, power, and politics - one person promoting the ideology of Wealth Bondage , the other, subverting it. (But which is which you ask? Take AP English and report back.) August 06, 2005 in Tooterisms | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) Mobile Active Org Via email from Marty Kearns, of Green Media Toolshed , Oh did you see 26 million people use cell phones to engage in Live8? www.mobileactive.org is going to be huge! July 08, 2005 in Resources | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Changemakers, Troublemakers, Courtiers and Clowns (Below is an open letter to Tracy Gary , who asked how, beyond my dismal professional bio , she should introducing me to her progressive funder friends.) Dear Tracy, Yup, been thinking because you asked, about how I see myself beyond my corporate self. The answer is not "financial advisor," nor "trusted advisor," but teacher in a certain very specific tradition. Education comes from "educere" to lead out. Socrates saying that he was (incongruously) the "midwife" to his interlocutors, helping them (male though all were) give birth to what is already within them, latent. Also, as model (in humility) I follow the Trickster Jesus of the Gospels. And also, Diogenes, the naked man in the barrel who accosted the wealthy of his day, including Alexander the Great, and helped them, as would a Zen monk, to awaken, often by setting them paradoxes, or rousing them to fury just short of violence. I do not believe any more than you do that philanthropy will save democracy. It cannot, obviously. The rich are blessed in their own way, but the truly gifted/accursed are the artists, the poets, the prophets, the holy fools. That is the role to which I most deeply aspire, or better yet, am most deeply stuck with. So, I play the fool and the courtier both. But the fool is for keeps. The courtier "financial services professional" is an IQ Test for the client, my various bosses, and colleagues. Most flunk. Diogenes naked in the streets with his lantern in broad daylight, seeking the honest wealth holder, the honest power broker, a "trusted advisor." That is me. The Trickster who teaches by getting the other off balance. Beware. Of course, I do know sprezzatura , the style you suggested some well bred donors expect. (You know it is from Castiglione's Book of the Courtier ? A handbook on how to prosper at Court among the knaves?) I will be as gracious and deferential with your friends as would any courtier to Queen or King. But you asked for an account of who I am. That is it: Troublemaker, as Peter Karoff once said to me. Troublemaker for democracy, maybe not unlike you and your cousin George Pillsbury when you were then as I am now, just a beginner. Haymarket - wasn't that a labor riot ? As an ex-college professor, let alone a financial services trainer, I am reconciled to misreading. Even at Yale many a future ruler of the universe could not follow an agile writer. So, instead of being hard to read, I am very easy. As easy as a billboard or a children's sock puppet. Unless you understand me. At which point I am nothing but trouble. In me as in a raven is the grapeseed. Shat out, it grows to the intransigent vine of Dionysus and democracy. The red wine of the grape, spilled from the Cross, drunk as blood from a chalice - believe me, I meditate on that, as a good lapsed Catholic with a humane education. I have about as much choice in this as does a man or woman in being gay. I can be in or out as one called to foolishness in the public square, but I can't change, only be broken. With you, and through your example, I am finding the courage to be my strange self, Harlequin in patches, "a Socrates gone mad," as Diogenes said. Philanthropy is teaching, but the payoff is activism. For me that means the liberal arts, the arts of freedom, not a passive thing to watch and admire, but to imitate, among the Pharisees, in the public square. What stands a chance of saving us is someone like Martin Luther Kind or Vaclav Havel. And people like that are not waiting around for permission or a grant. Some of us aren't even waiting for real artists. We just shit out what we can and pray that it contains here and there a fertile seed amidst the dung. You know all this. Or are the carrier of it. It is not a blessing, but a calling. And the call is not to peace of mind. The reason you can't shake my support is that I was going where you are going long before we met. You are an optimist by temperament; I consider that wisdom and caritas come with "brokenness and surrender." You and your cousin George have learned moderation in maturity. I have been driven half mad. We inherit a tradition, and we pass it on. It no more cares whether we live or die than do our genes. We are the carriers, the dead husk; the living germ courses through us. We pass it on as we received it, as a gift, the dangerous gift of knowledge, the apple Eve gave Adam. We spit the seed from our mouth. Hence the orchard. The garden run always to weeds. We live among snakes. And the fool should be as wise as the serpent. Extinct? Not yet. Nor Born Again, but Rapture Ready. Be well! Phil July 06, 2005 in Tooterisms | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (2) Omidyar on Carpe Diem Philanthropy Just ran across this very interesting article, from BusinessWeek Online, in 2004, by Pierre Omidyar on philanthropy in the internet age. Not only does he want to give now, rather than "leave a legacy" at death - 50 or so years from now - but he also sees giving as happening within a community of self-actualizing individuals, in which each and every person is a giver. He also sees giving as a kind of investment in a social capital network (as was EBay) that grows in value as it scales (as did EBay, or the telephone, or the English language), and that pays back in real dollars (as did EBay). The role of big givers, or social investors, is to raise up and equip the smaller givers, so they too can discover their own power to do good in the world. This is a profoundly American democractic vision, fusing freedom of speech and assembly, with entrepreneurial zeal, and Emersonian optimism. You can join the Omidyar community, or call it a renewal of the great American experiment, at http://www.Omidyar.net/home. Many of the people who attended the Open Space Giving Conference a year ago in Chicago are members. And many of them are getting together again in Chicago (as I am) with new friends from Omidyar July 29-31 . I have been a member of Omidyar.net since, virtually, the inception and have been staggered to see Pierre and Pam joining in the day to day conversations, not as conveners or owners of the site, but as fellow seekers and citizens. They are the least patronizing of patrons, the least selfish of owners. You could call them hosts, maybe, or cordial role models. They also learn fast and don't mind principled disagreement, in fact they seem to thrive on it. July 06, 2005 in Case Studies in Giving | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Dialogues On Civic Philanthropy Great papers from diverse and distinguished sources on the legitimacy, effectiveness, regulation, and accountability of foundation philanthropy. Comes with an open discussion board. What makes the relatively unregulated exercise of economic, intellectual and political power through "philanthropy" legitimate in a market/democratic culture? Can givers (and the stingy) choose their own moral framework, as they might an automobile, nose job, or Halloween Costume? What are the obligations of wealth in a just society? The papers here raise those issues, in the bland style of successful, well-socialized, intellectuals and functionaries. The same questions raised from the scaffold upon which sits a pillory would be far more interesting to me, as having an outside chance of breaking the polite smile that seems always to accompany discussions of philanthropy. What is human speech for, if not satire? The rich can choose their own ethical systems, as can we who toss the tomato from the crowd. Hudson's site is open to riffraff (the demos) at least for now. Mind your manners! You are in the company of your betters. Do not be surprised if the discussion of legitimacy and accountability remains inconclusive. July 02, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Gifthub as More than Conversation The original hope behind Gifthub is still alive and I would welcome comments, if this note finds interested parties. Assume estate tax is repealed or greatly reduced. Imagine a world where the rich get vastly richer and pass their wealth on unhindered in a new (at best) aristocracy. Imagine government programs cut back, and chances for advancement for working people and poor people reduced except for those who have an aptitude for going along to get along with the ideology of those who have "made it." Imagine philanthropy as both the offset to such a world, and also its adornment or ornament. I would like to imagine a "hub" where wealthy people of good will, advisors to wealth, and talented people from all walks of life can meet as in some ways equals - as citizens. We would meet to advance shared ideals, including the ideals of open society, pluralism, caritas, justice, and passionate disagreement within an atmosphere of mutual respect. I believe there is a "business plan" or social venture plan that might support or undergird such a hub. Advisors want clients. Donors need advisors. All require education, tools, and processes that enable them to work together more effectively for shared ends. All today hide out talking mostly to others in the same professional or sociological silo. Major donors do not attend the conferences of professionals. Professionals are conspicuously uninvited to donor forums. Either group talks about the other in stereotypes. That is vastly dysfunctional for the givers, advisors, and the talented people who might volunteer. With my friend and hero, Tracy Gary , I am mooting about ways we could make this hub come into being as a nonprofit enterprise or association. She has uptake from donor friends. I have some from advisors. If anyone has thoughts, I would welcome comments or emails. Beyond that, onwards! By the way, I recognize the "liberal" slant of my remarks, and acknolwedge a rooting interest in progressive causes. But liberalism to me means risking my views in open contest with those to disagree. Therefore, the hub has, or should have, spokes into conservative, libertarian, and religious networks. The point of open society is precisely that it is inclusive. Someone like Lenore Ealy , for example, or Bill Schambra , or Amy Kass , who are associated with conservative viewpoints would be considered valued colleagues if their networks were enlisted. The point is not to agree on ideology but to second one another's practical efforts for a common good. I have known many compassionate conservatives, as well as many Evangelicals, whose passionate and self-sacrificing efforts for others set a high example. A true Gifthub would network the best together, and welcome the war of ideas, within a shared regard for one another and for those who are less fortunate. July 02, 2005 in About Gifthub | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) Supporting Advancement Supporting Advancement weblog. Slowly, slowly the fundraising community seems to be getting online to share ideas and best practices. I hope over time that the conversation of philanthropy draws us together across our many specializations, professional affiliations, and "silos" so that we see ourselves, along with donors and volunteers, as fellow citizens engaged in a great wave of giving of which our specialized efforts, and institutional affiliations are just one tiny part. Can we begin to see ourselves as making common cause, across our institutions and - for want of a better term - jobs? June 29, 2005 in Planned Giving | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Recent Comments Phil on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Lucy Bernholz on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Reyna Feighner on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? phil cubeta on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Rusty Stahl on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Phil on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Chris Corrigan on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Phil on Blogging Philanthropy - Why the Masquerade? Phil Anthropoid on Blogging Philanthropy - Why the Masquerade? Phil on Philanthropy Blogs Noted at Council on Foundations Recent Posts Community-Wealth.Com Foundations and Government: Who is Responsible for Social Progrms? Mennonite Disaster Service Writerly Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Blogger Conference Call on Estate Tax Informed Giving Philanthropy Blogs Noted at Council on Foundations Blogging Philanthropy - Why the Masquerade? Ads and Acknowledgements Categories About Gifthub Advisor's Role Case Studies in Giving Charitable Tools Funding for? Geeting ahead in giving Philanthropy Folks Planned Giving Readings Resources Tooterisms Values and Planning Wise Philanthropy A Public Service of Wealth Bondage Archives September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 Subscribe to this blog's feed

shower gifts, as well

Bridal Showers - Pre-Wedding Parties Front Page - Features Unique Wedding Ideas Wedding Forum Ask Fran Customs & Traditions Wedding Etiquette Planning Your Wedding Wedding Planner Honeymoon Checklist Local Wedding Vendors Punch Recipes Who Pays for What Mother of the Groom Mother of the Bride Maid of Honor Best Man Thank You Cards The Invitation Honeymoon Checklist Discovering The Past Around The World Engagement Customs Pre-Wedding Party Bridal Showers Choose Your Gown Ceremony Timetable Wedding Survival Kit Calendar of Events Children in the wedding Customizable Wedding Planner Infant Specialties Contact Us Advertise Wedding Vendors - get listed . All Accessories Wedding Invitations Bookmarks Cake Servers Cake Tops Ceremony Essentials Coasters Decorations Favors Garters Gifts Thank You Notes Reception Essentials More The Music of William Jenks Classical Guitar music perfect for your wedding. Free Downloads - Click here OurMarriage.com Home > Planning your wedding > Pre-wedding parties > Bridal Showers Pre-Wedding Parties The Bridal Showers The Bridesmaid Luncheon The Bachelor Party The Wedding Breakfast The Bridal Brunch The Rehearsal Dinner Bridal Showers Traditionally, bridal showers are given by the maid/matron of honor, or close friend of the bride. It is not proper for an immediate family member of the couple to host the shower . To do so, would appear they were asking for gifts and is not in good taste. The party itself may be scheduled at any time convenient for the bride and her hostess, although the last week before the wedding is considered poor planning. There are so many last minute details, that a shower would likely be more stressful than joyful. Showers are known as parties with a purpose. The purpose of a shower is to assist the couple in equipping their new home or for the bride to assemble a trousseau. Showers today, often surround a particular party theme. Recipe showers, kitchen showers, bath showers, lingerie, linen and garden or camping showers...the possibilities are endless. As might well be expected, kitchen showers have long been the most popular shower theme, because of the endless range of paraphernalia every newlywed couple needs to set up housekeeping. Novice cooks, especially those who have never kept house before, need everything from pots and pans to mops and brooms. One variation of the kitchen theme has each guest including their favorite recipe, along with an item needed to prepare that recipe. As an example, a flour sifter or hand mixer with a cake recipe. Muffin tins alongside a recipe for pop overs. Rock salt, when giving an ice cream maker. Use your imagination. When requesting favorite recipes as part of the shower planning, it is a good idea for the hostess to send uniform, ready to use, recipe cards in the invitation. A recipe box is then given to the bride during the shower, to begin assembling her favorite recipes. Lingerie showers are a favorite of the bride, especially when she is honored with more than one party. Long, frilly, sexy nighties, baby doll pajamas, lacy bra's and panties, one piece body huggers, are all terrific ideas for gift giving. Sewing accessories, closet or drawer organizers, certificates for special services, such as beauty treatments, hair care products or nail enhancement are also perfect gifts given at a lingerie shower. It is the job of the hostess to plan a party that compliments both the theme and her guests. Be sure when several showers are planned, the guest list is different for each one so no one ends up feeling obligated to attend and buy several shower gifts, as well as a wedding gift. When the bride lives in a small town or community it is considerate to suggest people join together to host one shower, rather than several small ones. Showers are almost always informal gatherings with a simple menu and often only include cake, mints and punch. The hostess issues invitations by telephone, mail, or in person. It is considered in poor taste to invite people who do not personally know the bride, although, they may be friends of her family or fianc. However, etiquette for the 90's allows exceptions to every rule. A shower may be the time, chosen by the mother of the groom, for instance, to bring family and close friends to meet her prospective daughter-in-law. Showers are not times to call in social obligations. During the shower, games are played for fun and entertainment. You can find notebook style, pads of games to play at your local card shop or dream up your own. Ideas include, a small basket of kitchen utensils with 15 to 20 items, shown to the guests for 30 seconds, then removing the basket and asking them to write down everything they remember seeing. Writing the full, soon to be married name of the bride, across the top of a page, and seeing how many words can be made from the name in four or five minutes is another popular choice. Of course, in both instances, the person with the highest number wins the prize. Be sure to have a couple extra gifts on hand for those times when two or more are the winners. It is also fun to give each guest a clothes pin, to clip on their lapel, with instructions they are not to cross their legs during the party. If caught crossing their legs, the person catching them, gets their clothes pin. The one left holding the most pins at the end of the party, wins a prize. One further point needs to be made concerning the guest list for a shower invitation. The thoughtful bride, who has planned a formal wedding, also sees to it, if possible, that people not invited to the wedding, are not put in the position of being invited to a shower. Every guest will bring a gift. It would be in very poor taste to ask someone to bring a gift for a bride who has not chosen to invite that individual to her wedding. Traditionally, shower gifts are smaller and rather less expensive than wedding gifts. As a courtesy to family and friends, it is a good idea for the couple to register their preferences in the gift registry department of their favorite store. If you have ever tried to decide on just the perfect gift for someone, and didn't have a clue as to their likes and dislike, you will understand the thoughtfulness of a gift registry. Be sure to include small, inexpensive items, such as kitchen towels, wooden spoons, or hot pads, as well as larger items, such as blenders, toasters, bread makers, and coffee machines. Elderly guests may be on a fixed income, and a very limited budget, but also appreciate knowing the gift they buy is something truly desired and appreciated. Thus, the purpose of registering small, inexpensive items. And last, but hardly least, a mention of sending thank you cards, (also see "How to Write a Thank You Card") must be included in our discussion of bridal showers. At one time, notes were not considered necessary when you thanked someone in person. Today, with showers being larger and guests busier, a personal note is the only way to make sure sincere appreciation is expressed. A unique idea for sending thank you cards begins as the guests arrive and register for a door prize by filling out her name and mailing address on "thank you" envelopes. The door prize winner is drawn at the end of the shower from the envelopes which are then given to the bride. This enables the bride to more quickly send out her thank you cards, and eliminates returns due to incorrect addresses. For more information on this and other related topics see Ask Fran OurMarriage.com Home > Planning your wedding > Pre-wedding parties > Bridal Showers OurMarriage.com respects your privacy. See our privacy policy Unique Wedding Ideas: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | Submit your own unique wedding Idea. Wedding Customs || Ask Fran || Forum || Wedding Planner || Wedding Etiquette Unique Wedding Ideas || Planning Your Wedding || Newsletter || Honeymoon || Home © 1998- 2005 OurMarriage.com All Rights Reserved. 360 Wedding Invitations- Click here Infant & Children's Specialty Appare l Christening Gowns and more. 78 page fully printable & customizable wedding planner for only $4.95 No ads or annoying borders. This planner has a simple and clean look that you can customize to your own liking. Print as many pages as you need! Plus! Download 125 additional unique wedding ideas not posted on our website... Free with planner! Click here "Brides Against Breast Cancer" Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation launches National Wedding Gown Collection Drive. Click here

Baby Gifts New Baby

Personalized baby gifts, unique baby gifts, baby furniture, kids furniture Baby Gifts Personalized Baby Gifts Baby Furniture Baptism Gifts Baby Christening Gifts New Baby Gifts New Baby Gift Baskets Baby Shower Gifts Baby Blankets Monogrammed Baby Gifts Unique Baby Gifts Baby Names PRODUCT _ INDEX Home --------------- Address Book All Sport Lamp Arched Wall Plaque Attache Baby Doll Cradle Backpacks(boys) Backpacks(girls) Bank Growth Chart Basketball Bank Bath Wraps Bean Bag Blanket Throw Bookcase Book Rack Bulletin Boards Carriage Throw Ceramic Frames Ceramic Frames Ceramic House Ceramic Mail Holders Chair Clothes Tree Cheval Mirror Clothes Tree Dinosaur Bank Soft Sculpt. Name Doll Armoire Doll Canopy bed Doll Carriage Doll High Chair Double Step Stools Duffle Bag Four Peg Wall Plaque Fabric Covered Album Framed Art Garden Set Hand Painted Albums Heart Bookends Heavy Hooded Towel Heirloom Blanket Honeymoon Bank Hooded Towel Initial Wall Plaque Jewelry Boxes Knit Blanket Kids Bake Apron Lampposts Large Ceramic Lamp 5 Peg Wall Plaque Large Mirror Lovies mesh Toy Cart Toy Chest Mini Trunk Mirror Plaque Park Bench Pendulum Clocks Photo Albums Piano Photo Growth Chart Piggy Banks Plastic Toy Cart Polar Fleece Blanket Radio Flyer Wagon Recipe for Marriage Robes Rocking Chair Rocking Horse Round Bookends Silver and Brass Album Small Shelf w/o Pegs Small Wall Shelf Soft Scultured Name Special Friend Doll Sports Bank Sports Bean Bag Step Stools Swing Bin Hamper Storem Table and Chairs 3 Drawer Plastic Box Towels Vanity Wh. Table/Chair Set Wine Cooler Wood Clock Wood Photo Frame Wood Treasure Chest Wood Name Furniture Storage / Toy Boxes Toys/Playthings Photo Albums/Frames Room Accessories Luggage/Backpacks Blankets/Robes/Towels Big Brother/Sister Gift Basket Sets New Items Grown-Up Gifts Graduation Baby Names Questions and Phone Orders Welcome 800-586-9278 Our Check Out is Secure " Wanted to let you know that we just loved the duffle bag that we ordered!" Toni C., Dallas, TX "I just received a step stool that I ordered for my niece's first birthday and it is beautiful!" Christina P., Stoneham, MA "I love the step stools! I order them for all my friends and have forwarded your website to so many." Michele K. , Chicago, Il Personalized Rocking Horse One of our most popular baby gifts, a classic rocking horse is a gift they'll love to keep. Rocking horse is available in white or natural with your choice of hand-painted designs. Personalized Baby Gifts are our specialty. All gifts are hand painted or monogrammed. They include: Baby Blankets Baby Robes Baby Albums & Frames Baby Furniture Step Stools Piggy Banks Rocking Horse Rocking Chairs Toy Boxes Growth Charts Wall Plaques Tables, Chairs Kids Furniture Luggage Mirrors and Clocks More Personalized Baby Gifts Personalized Gifts for Baby Unique Baby Gifts: Looking for a unique baby shower gift? How about a baby gift thats really different, something for a newborn baby or for babys first birthday? Unique baby gifts are hard to find. But you need not look any further, because when it comes to fabulous baby gifts, nothing is more special than our huge selection of hand painted, personalized baby gifts. Babies have been our specialty for more than 15 years. Experience has taught us what people want in a baby gift, whether they are looking for something for a baby shower, babys first birthday, Baptism, baby Christening gift, new baby gifts, Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other occasion. Not only do we offer the largest selection of personalized baby gifts on the Internet, but we also offer the finest. Our collection of personalized baby gifts range from hand painted, signed Artwork and Furniture pieces to Monogrammed Baby Blankets and Photo Albums and Baby Books. Most of the items we feature are done on the premises by our staff of professional artists. Others are hand crafted by artists and artisans from all over the country who specialize in their particular craft. Our unique line of baby gifts include hundreds of personalized gifts such as: Baby Books, Baby Keepsakes, Personalized Baby Blankets, Piggy Banks, Step Stools, Rocking Chairs, Baby Furniture, Park Bench, Rocking Horse, and a Harley Davidson Rocking Horse. Other baby gifts include Toy Boxes, Toy Chests, Clocks, Lamps, Tables, Chairs, Photo Albums, Photo Frames, Photo Collage Frames, Growth Charts, Baby Robes, Towels, Baby Gift Baskets, Toys, Dolls, Artwork, Wall Art, and Framed Wall Art. Plaques for baby include Name Plaques, Wall Plaques, and Wooden Name Plaques. You name it. Weve got it, whether its a gift for baby girl, gift for baby boy, gifts for twins, multiple births or baby shower gifts. Whatever it is, when it comes to personalized gifts for baby, youre sure to find something special at Neat Stuff. Baby Furniture: If you are expecting a baby of your own, you can enhance your baby's nursery dcor with our hand painted baby furniture and accent pieces, as most of the items featured here can be custom matched to your baby bedding or wall border. Give us a call to discuss the possibilities. Baby Registry: Be sure to include your baby nursery's custom design if you complete our Gift Registry. That way your design as well as your gifts of choice will be on file, so you will receive exactly what you want. Baby Names: For fun and for your convenience, we offer expectant parents a Free List of 1,000 Baby Names to ponder. Personalized Gifts for Kids Kid's Gifts: Our unique gift ideas are not just limited to baby. We also offer an extensive line of personalized gifts for kids. Perhaps youre looking for Birthday Gifts, Graduation Gifts, something for a Recital, Communion, Confirmation, Sweet 16, Bat or Bar Mitzvah. At Neat Stuff youre bound to find the perfect gift. Room Accessories: For their room, youll discover all the stuff kids love: Clocks, Mirrors, Luggage, Duffles, Jewelry Boxes, Clothes Trees, Photo Albums, Photo Frames, Piggy Banks, Towels, Robes, and Beach Towels. Wall Plaques: For the walls youll find Wall Plaques, Wall Shelves, Name Plaques, Letter Wall Plaques, and Wooden Name Plaques. Our collection of wall art includes personalized Framed Art and hand crafted Artwork. Toys: Fun stuff includes Toys, Dolls, Doll Furniture, Play Furniture, Wooden Toys, Soft Sculptured Toys, Educational Toys, Baby Grand Piano, Doll Carriage, Doll Cradle, Rocking Horse, Harley Davidson Rocking Horse, and Radio Flyer Walker Wagon. Kids Furniture: Looking for children's furniture? Our collection of kids furniture includes Toddler Beds, Twin Headboards, Tables, Chairs, Adirondack Chairs, a childs Vanity, Cheval Mirror, Chaise Lounge, Upholstered Chairs and Sofas, Bean Bag Chairs, and Rocking Chairs. Storage: What about storage and organizers? We offer a wonderful selection toy storage including Toy Chests, Toy Boxes, and Toy Carts. Shelves include Bookshelves and Wall Shelves. And for storage of all their little treasures, we offer personalized Storems, Attaches, Jewelry Boxes, Dress Up Trunks and Treasure Chests. Personalized Gifts for Grownups Looking for some unique gift ideas for that special grownup on your list? How about a Ceramic Envelope or a Mailbox to house their mail, a Ceramic House for a housewarming, or a hand painted Photo Album or Photo Frame for a wedding or anniversary gift. Other personalized gifts include Business Card Holders, Lipstick Cases, Note Holders, personalized Coffee Mugs, Popcorn Bowls, Bath Wraps, luxurious Robes, and hand painted Wine Coolers. Perhaps you would like something for yourself. We offer a large assortment of designs on Mailboxes, Keepsake Boxes for all your childrens treasures, personalized Checkbook Holders, even personalized Pill Boxes. Do you love golf or tennis? Then you might enjoy a personalized gift hand painted with a golf or tennis motif. Whether its for you or a loved one, youll find personalized gifts for every occasion at Neat Stuff Gifts. That includes birthday gifts, wedding gifts, anniversary gifts, corporate gifts, Mothers Day gifts, Fathers Day gifts, graduation gifts, teacher gifts, Christmas gifts, Hanukkah gifts, as well as some unique gift ideas for grandparents, bridal showers, vacations, and retirement. We hope you enjoy your shopping experience. If you have any questions or would like to place your order by phone, please call. Home - Furniture - Storage - Room Accessories - Toys - Albums/Frames Luggage/Backpacks - Blankets/Robes/Towels - Weddings/Anniversary - Graduation About Us - Designs - Colors - Ordering Instructions - Contact Info N E A T S T U F F G I F T S L L C . 7075 Flaccus Rd. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Tel: (800) 586-9278 (412) 766-1061 info@neatstuffgifts.com Last Updated on 06/28/05 Hours M-F 10:00AM-5:00PM Baby gifts, personalized baby gifts, hand painted baby and kids furniture, baby gift baskets, baby shower gifts, unique baby gifts, monogrammed baby gifts, Christening gifts Personalized Baby Gifts - Hand painted Baby and Kids Furniture -

Housewarming Gift Idea A

Housewarming Gift Idea - Housewarming Gift Basket Housewarming Gift Idea - Housewarming Gift Basket Housewarming Gift Idea A Housewarming Gift Idea from Harry and David can bring a smile to the face of any new homeowner. Look no further for the perfect housewarming gif idea. Housewarming Gift Basket Our 9 star All Occasion Housewarming Gift Basket is our biggest occasion gift basket. This delightful housewarming gift basket contains fruits, nuts, candy and more. Next time you have to choose a housewarming gift idea choose the perfect housewarming gift basket from Harry and David. OCCASIONS Last Minute Gifts All Occasion Gifts Americana Anniversary Back to Campus Birthday Congratulations Get Well Housewarming New Baby Sympathy Thank You Thinking of You Wedding Gifts Halloween Thanksgiving Christmas Hanukkah New Year's Holiday Early Bird Sale You are here: Occasions > Housewarming Celebration Basket Gourmet fare for a small family or office: Big impression on a smaller scale. Inside these pristine white baskets they'll find Royal Riviera Pears, Crisp Mountain Apples, Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon, Summer Sausage, Cheddar and Jack Cheeses, Chewy Fruit Candy, Lemon Cake, Lemon Shortbread Cookies, Fruit Preserves and Honey Roasted Nuts. Net wt. 4 lbs. Available to ship year round. Choose One: Celebration Basket Item No. 13334Z $ 69.95 Deluxe Celebration Basket ( details ) Five extra pounds of incredible gourmet food. Item No. 606Z $ 99.95 Sign in to access your address book Send To: Recipient List Me Or: Add New Name Need Help? We'll ask for shipping info at checkout Our Guarantee : You must be delighted, or we'll make it right. Subscribe to receive special updates and exclusive offers. Services: Register Now | Customer Service | Gift Services | Gift Card | Catalog Quick Order | Same Day Delivery Gift Finder | My Giftlist™ | Order History | Catalog Request | International APO/FPO Information: Homepage | Harvest Report | Privacy Policy | Browser Requirements | Site Map | About Us Order toll free anytime 1-877-322-1200 © 2005, Harry and David. All Rights Reserved. Harry and David is a registered trademark. [3]

College Gift

Calvin College - Planning Ahead - The Tuition Gift Certificate Program Frequently Asked Questions about Calvin College Tuition Gift Certificates Home Tuition Gift Certificate Other Ways to Plan Ahead To Apply FAQ Contact Us Home FAQ Who may purchase Calvin tuition gift certificates? Anyone may purchase Calvin tuition gift certificates for anyone. You do not have to be a parent, grandparent, or relative in order to purchase a certificate for someone. You may even purchase a certificate for yourself, whether you are a current or future Calvin student. Download an application How do I designate or re-designate a tuition gift certificate beneficiary? When someone purchases a certificate, s/he must designate the beneficiary for whom s/he is purchasing the certificate. The purchaser may, at any time before the certificate expires, re-designate the beneficiary of all or some of the certificate units. This can be done by contacting the Calvin College Financial Services Office. If the beneficiary of the certificate is re-designated, the expiration date will be adjusted according to the new beneficiary’s age. The purchaser may give someone else, or even Calvin College, the power to designate or re-designate the beneficiary of the certificate. Alternatively, the purchaser may give someone a contingent power of appointment, which will permit the appointee to designate or re-designate the beneficiary only in the event that the purchaser is unable to do so because of incapacity, death, or any other reason. Do tuition gift certificates expire? Yes. The expiration date of a tuition gift certificate is determined at the time of purchase based on the age of the designated beneficiary. If the beneficiary of the certificate is re-designated, the expiration date will be adjusted according to the new beneficiary’s age. If the certificate expires before it is used, the purchaser is not entitled to a refund of the purchase price. The value of any unused, expired certificate units is credited to the Calvin College Scholarship Fund. If the purchaser has kept his/her address current in Calvin College’s records, the college will give the purchaser a charitable gift receipt for the value of those certificate units, based on tuition cost on the date that the units are credited to the Calvin College Scholarship Fund. What happens if applying tuition gift certificates to a student’s account results in a credit balance? If a student applies units to his/her account and then has a credit balance on the account, s/he has the option of carrying the credit balance forward or having a certificate reissued for the amount of the credit. No cash refunds will be given for credit balances resulting from the application of certificate units toward tuition. What if I need an itemized statement for tax purposes? Calvin College bills its students for a total amount per semester that includes tuition, room, board, fees, and miscellaneous expenses. Certificate units may be applied to part or all of the bill. The college will itemize expenses for anyone who needs an itemization for tax or gift credit purposes. Will tuition gift certificates reduce a student’s eligibility for scholarships or financial aid? Tuition gift certificates do not affect a student’s opportunity to receive merit scholarships. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence without regard to financial resources. On the other hand, need-based scholarships and financial aid are based upon student and family resources. If a parent or student has purchased a tuition gift certificate, s/he must report it on the Calvin College Supplemental Financial Aid Form. A financial aid representative from Calvin’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid would be happy to discuss how the ownership of a tuition gift certificate might affect a student’s eligibility for need-based scholarships or financial aid. If a student is a beneficiary of a tuition gift certificate purchased by someone other than his or her parent or the student him/herself, the certificate is not considered a family resource. However, when the units are applied to payment of tuition, they become a resource and the student's need-based assistance will be reassessed. A financial aid representative will be happy to assist you in planning the most beneficial use of the certificate units available to you. How do I make changes to a tuition gift certificate? The certificate is documentation of the tuition units that are purchased. The official record of the certificate units resides in the Calvin College Financial Services Office . Any changes to the certificate must be made in the records of Calvin College, not merely on the paper certificate that the purchaser holds. How do I purchase a tuition gift certificate? Calvin College tuition gift certificates may be purchased only by giving the college an original, completed application form and personal check. The college cannot accept credit card payments for the certificates or a faxed application without a personal check. Financial Services Calvin College 3201 Burton Street S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 526-6127 (voice) (616) 526-8480 (TTY) Fax: (616) 526-6532 finserv@calvin.edu Calvin College does not discriminate with regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex or disability in any of its education programs or activities. Go To Calvin's home page News and events Information Calvin College Contacting Calvin Admissions Search People at Calvin Departments Calvin's website Contact Angela Peterson Last updated Tuesday, August 30, 2005